Luke Littler Targets World Number One at European Championship

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Luke Littler Targets World Number One at European Championship

Luke Littler is making headlines as he aims for the top ranking in the darts world at the European Championship. Recently, Littler gained significant momentum by winning the World Grand Prix, bringing him closer to current world number one, Luke Humphries.

Competition Landscape at the European Championship

The European Championship kicks off with Littler, the rising star, facing off against seasoned player Raymond van Barneveld. This match is especially critical as van Barneveld is a five-time world champion.

  • Match Details: Littler vs. van Barneveld on Friday.
  • Humphries’ Match: Humphries competes against Polish player Krzysztof Ratajski.

Path to the Top Ranking

Littler has expressed determination, stating, “Until I get that world number one spot, I will never call myself the best in the world.” He acknowledges the intense competition and aims to apply pressure on Humphries. A potential quarter-final clash between the two players heightens the stakes.

Recent Performances

Following his Grand Prix triumph, Littler reached the semi-finals of the World Youth Championship but faced defeat against Beau Greaves. He quickly rebounded by winning the Players Championship 32 event. This performance showcases his consistency and resilience.

Management Changes and Future Tournaments

In a significant move, Littler announced a new management deal with Target Darts after parting ways with Martin Foulds from ZXF Sports Management, who had guided him for five years.

Littler’s experience in Germany has been mixed. He previously faced challenges there, including a negative reception from fans during the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt in June. Despite the obstacles, he aims to improve his results in German tournaments.

Upcoming Events Before the World Championship

After the European Championship, two major tournaments will take place:

  • Grand Slam of Darts: November 8-16
  • Players Championship Finals: November 21-23

The World Championship is set to begin on December 11, marking the pinnacle of the darting calendar for players like Littler and Humphries.

As Littler targets the world number one ranking, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in the upcoming matches.